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The pair of candelabra was likely designed by royal clockmaker Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy based on an engraving of a clock in the form of a celestial globe supported by Atlas. The Vulliamy Ornament Books show that between 1812 and 1821 the artist supplied seven pairs of "Atlas" candelabra: two pairs were for the Prince Regent; two for Lord Anson, and a pair each for Lord Lansdowne, Lord Plymouth, and Sir John Thorold.

Provenance

About 1812/1821, created by Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy [see note 1]. November 26, 2003, anonymous sale, Sotheby's, London, lot 1, to H. Blairman and Sons, Ltd., London. Acquired on the London art market by Horace Wood Brock, New York; December 30, 2005, partial interest given by Horace Wood Brock to the MFA; September 25, 2013, remaining interest given to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 25, 2006)
NOTES:
[1] The Vulliamy Ornament Books show that between 1812 and 1821 the artist supplied seven pairs of "Atlas" candelabra. Two pairs were for the Prince Regent; two pairs were for Lord Anson, and a pair each were for Lord Lansdowne, Lord Plymouth, and Sir John Thorold. It is not known which of the recorded examples the MFA candelabra represent. See H. Blairman and Sons, "Furniture and Works of Art" (2004), cat. no. 4.